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Daniel Ricciardo pleased that Formula One role is confirmed

Ricciardo is currently 14th in the Formula One standings with 12 points. Photo by LAT PHOTOGRPAHIC

Daniel Ricciardo says he's pleased that his future role as a Red Bull Racing driver has finally been confirmed -- and he can thus focus on finishing the season with Toro Rosso.

“I think it's a bit of a relief now that there's no more speculation and no more dodging questions and all the rest of it,” he said. “Everyone knows what's happening, including me. It's nice. It's something to look forward to and obviously I'm very pleased with the news, but I have eight more races this year and looking forward to giving Toro Rosso a nice farewell I hope and I'll put all my energy into that.

“I think this weekend will, of course, be a bit hectic because the news is fresh but I think from this point on it should start to settle down and get back to normal stuff.”

Ricciardo insisted that he didn't know he got the job until last week.

“To be honest, in Spa, as I said, I still didn't know -- that was the truth. I found out, I think it was Wednesday that following week, so a few days before the announcement took place. I can confirm I still didn't know at Spa, so no lies being told there.”

Regarding his target for next year, he said, “I would love to be as competitive as I can as quickly as possible, so for me, I'll obviously finish the season as strongly as possible with Toro Rosso, but as soon as it's finished, switch my focus to 2014, try and put in a really good off-season, at least do as much as I can to prepare myself to be there for the first race.

“I know it's obviously not going to be as easy as it seems but the best thing I can do is push myself as much as I can. I have one of the best teammates in the world now to measure myself against so no better man to have but him and push myself as hard as I can.”